Croce in many aspects as seen it all in the decade plus he’s been leading the Saxons’ program. First glance and you believe its been nothing but a gravy train for him with three CIF titles appearances since 2001.
Closer scrutiny also reflects the hard times a 2-8 record in 2011. A 2-8 record in 2002. A 1-9 record in 2006.
Deeper examination shows his ability to adapt in going from a powerful running team a decade ago to creating the only offensive attack in 2012 deadlier than the El Monte Air Circus.
This was not expected, but it happened. He didn’t just get a great season out of quarterback Jorge Hernandez (57 touchdown passes) and receivers Devante Jenkins and Mikey Jurado, but coaxed all-century type seasons out of them.
North Torrance won its first playoff games since 2005, and went to the finals for a third time under Croce. An argument could be made that better weather might have brought about a different outcome, but there is no argument that the Saxon’s 11-3 record was a result of Croce doing the finest job of any HC in the Northwest.
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Northeast Newcomer of the Year: Nordhoff’s Taylor Livingston
Southeast Newcomer of the Year: Downey’s Justin Huff
Mid-Valley Newcomer of the Year: Sierra Canyon’s Isaiah Renfro
Northwest DC of the Year: Nordhoff’s Cliff Farrar
Southeast DC of the Year: La Serna’s Margarito Beltran
Mid-Valley DC of the Year: Northview’s Marcel Perez
Northwest OC of the Year: La Salle’s Russell Gordon
Southeast OC of the Year: Norwalk’s Jessie Ceniceros
Mid-Valley OC of the Year: El Monte’s Brian Tabatabai
Northwest Coach of the Year: North Torrance’s Todd Croce
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Other release Dates:
Southeast Coach of the Year—January 4
Mid-Valley Coach of the Year—January 6
Northwest Player of the Year—January 7
Southeast Player of the Year—January 8
Mid-Valley Player of the Year—January 9
Northwest Most Valuable Player—January 10
Southeast Most Valuable Player—January 11
Mid-Valley Most Valuable Player—January 12
All Northwest Team—January 13
All Southeast Team—January 14
All Mid-Valley Team—January 15
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